example

ex·am·ple

1. One that is representative of a group as a whole: the squirrel, an example of a rodent; introduced each new word with examples of its use.

2. One serving as a pattern of a specific kind: set a good example by arriving on time.

3. A similar case that constitutes a model or precedent: a unique episode, without example in maritime history.

4.

a. A punishment given as a warning or deterrent: saw the boy's suspension as an example to all students considering breaking the rules.

b. One that has been given such a punishment: made an example of the offender.

5. A problem or exercise used to illustrate a principle or method.

Idiom:

for example

As an illustrative instance: Wear something simple; for example, a skirt and blouse.

[Middle English, from Old French example, essaumple, from Latin exemplum, from eximere, to take out : ex-, ex- + emere, to take; see em- in Indo-European roots.]

Synonyms: example, instance, case1, illustration, specimen These nouns refer to what is representative of or serves to explain a larger group or class. An example is a typically representative part that demonstrates the character of the whole: "Of the despotism to which unrestrained military power leads we have plenty of examples from Alexander to Mao" (Samuel Eliot Morison). An instance is an example that is cited to prove or illustrate a point: offered the statistics as an instance of why the penal system needed to be overhauled. A case is an example belonging to a particular category: a case of life imitating art. An illustration clarifies or explains: "[The author] has provided an illustration of a first-rate experimental mind at work" (Richard Bernstein).Specimen often denotes an individual, representative member of a group or class: This poem is an excellent specimen of her work.

example

(ɪɡˈzɑːmpəl)

n

1. a specimen or instance that is typical of the group or set of which it forms part; sample

2. a person, action, thing, etc, that is worthy of imitation; pattern: you must set an example to the younger children.

3. a precedent, illustration of a principle, or model: an example in a maths book.

4. a punishment or the recipient of a punishment serving or intended to serve as a warning: the headmaster made an example of him.

5. for example as an illustration; for instance

vb

6. (tr; now usually passive) to present an example of; exemplify

[C14: from Old French, from Latin exemplum pattern, from eximere to take out, from ex-1 + emere to purchase]

ex•am•ple

(ɪgˈzæm pəl, -ˈzɑm-)

n., v. -pled, -pling.n.

1. one of a number of things, or a part of something, taken to show the character of the whole.

2. a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated or avoided: to set a good example.

3. an instance serving for illustration; specimen.

4. an instance illustrating a rule or method, as a mathematical problem proposed for solution.

5. an instance, esp. of punishment, serving as a warning to others.

6. a precedent; parallel case: an action without example.

v.t.

7. to give or be an example of; exemplify (used in the passive).

[1350–1400; Middle English exa(u)mple < Middle French example < Latin exemplum, akin to eximere to take out; see exempt]

Example

of masters: a company of masters—Bk. of St. Albans, 1486.

example

1. 'example'

If something has the typical features of a particular kind of thing, you can say that it is an example of that kind of thing.

It's a very fine example of traditional architecture.

This is yet another example of poor management.

When someone mentions an example of a particular kind of thing, you say that they are giving an example of that kind of thing.

Could you give me an example?

Let me give you an example of the sort of thing that happens.

Be Careful!Don't say that someone 'says an example'.

2. 'for example'

When you mention an example of something, you often say for example.

Switzerland, for example, has four official languages.

There must be some discipline in the home. For example, I do not allow my daughter to play with my computer.

Be Careful!Don't say 'by example'.

example

Past participle: exampledGerund: exampling

Imperative

example

example

Present

I example

you example

he/she/it examples

we example

you example

they example

Preterite

I exampled

you exampled

he/she/it exampled

we exampled

you exampled

they exampled

Present Continuous

I am exampling

you are exampling

he/she/it is exampling

we are exampling

you are exampling

they are exampling

Present Perfect

I have exampled

you have exampled

he/she/it has exampled

we have exampled

you have exampled

they have exampled

Past Continuous

I was exampling

you were exampling

he/she/it was exampling

we were exampling

you were exampling

they were exampling

Past Perfect

I had exampled

you had exampled

he/she/it had exampled

we had exampled

you had exampled

they had exampled

Future

I will example

you will example

he/she/it will example

we will example

you will example

they will example

Future Perfect

I will have exampled

you will have exampled

he/she/it will have exampled

we will have exampled

you will have exampled

they will have exampled

Future Continuous

I will be exampling

you will be exampling

he/she/it will be exampling

we will be exampling

you will be exampling

they will be exampling

Present Perfect Continuous

I have been exampling

you have been exampling

he/she/it has been exampling

we have been exampling

you have been exampling

they have been exampling

Future Perfect Continuous

I will have been exampling

you will have been exampling

he/she/it will have been exampling

we will have been exampling

you will have been exampling

they will have been exampling

Past Perfect Continuous

I had been exampling

you had been exampling

he/she/it had been exampling

we had been exampling

you had been exampling

they had been exampling

Conditional

I would example

you would example

he/she/it would example

we would example

you would example

they would example

Past Conditional

I would have exampled

you would have exampled

he/she/it would have exampled

we would have exampled

you would have exampled

they would have exampled

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun

1.

example - an item of information that is typical of a class or group; "this patient provides a typical example of the syndrome"; "there is an example on page 10"

admonition, word of advice, monition, warning - cautionary advice about something imminent (especially imminent danger or other unpleasantness); "a letter of admonition about the dangers of immorality"; "the warning was to beware of surprises"; "his final word of advice was not to play with matches"

5.

example - an occurrence of something; "it was a case of bad judgment"; "another instance occurred yesterday"; "but there is always the famous example of the Smiths"

But even as expounded by its author it does not explain, and in truth is incompatible with some incidents of, the occurrences related in these memoranda: for example, the sound of Charles Ashmore's voice.

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